SMSTS Project Planning and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under CDM 2015, who is responsible for preparing the Construction Phase Plan before work begins on site?
- The Principal Designer
- The Principal Contractor (Correct answer)
- The Client
- The Site Manager
Correct answer: The Principal Contractor
The Principal Contractor must prepare the Construction Phase Plan before the construction phase begins.
Question 2: A Gantt chart is primarily used in project management to:
- Calculate project costs
- Display task schedules and timelines visually (Correct answer)
- Assess site hazards
- Record near-miss incidents
Correct answer: Display task schedules and timelines visually
A Gantt chart is a bar chart that visually represents a project schedule, showing start and end dates for tasks.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'look-ahead programme' on a construction project?
- To review completed work for quality
- To plan work activities for the next 2–6 weeks in detail (Correct answer)
- To document accidents retrospectively
- To set the project's final completion date
Correct answer: To plan work activities for the next 2–6 weeks in detail
A look-ahead programme plans near-term work in detail, typically covering the next 2–6 weeks to coordinate resources and activities.
Question 4: When planning site logistics, which factor most directly affects the sequencing of construction activities?
- The client's preferred colour scheme
- Lead times for material delivery (Correct answer)
- The number of site offices
- Staff holiday schedules only
Correct answer: Lead times for material delivery
Material delivery lead times can create critical constraints on when activities can start, directly affecting sequencing.
Question 5: A 'critical path' in project scheduling represents:
- The safest route through a site
- The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration (Correct answer)
- The route taken by emergency vehicles
- The most expensive work package
Correct answer: The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration
The critical path is the longest chain of dependent activities; any delay to a task on it delays the whole project.
Question 6: Which document sets out the environmental management requirements and site rules that contractors must follow?
- The Pre-Construction Information Pack
- The Site-specific Environmental Management Plan (Correct answer)
- The F10 notification form
- The health surveillance register
Correct answer: The Site-specific Environmental Management Plan
A Site Environmental Management Plan documents site-specific controls, procedures, and responsibilities for environmental compliance.
Question 7: When is it most appropriate to revise a project programme?
- Only at project completion
- When unforeseen events significantly impact planned progress (Correct answer)
- Whenever a subcontractor requests it
- Only if the client insists in writing
Correct answer: When unforeseen events significantly impact planned progress
Programmes should be updated when significant events such as scope changes, delays, or design changes materially affect planned activities.
SMSTS Project Planning and Management 2
Under CDM 2015, who is responsible for preparing the Construction Phase Plan before work begins on site?